FINALLY. SOMETHING TO USE MY TWITTER ACCOUNT FOR!

If you are anything like me and you just don't "get" Twitter you'll be excited to put your account to use.  The food truck concept is something I think is really exciting.  A glance at your Twitter account or your trucks website in the morning and you'll know if a truck will be parked somewhere near you just in time for lunch.  Not only does it provide a break from the tired food court options but its also gives the regular Joe Shmoe a shot at a successful business.  Talent in the kitchen, a streamlined concept, a truck and a full tank of gas and you're in off!

So far I have only indulged in 5411 Empanadas, The Southern Mac & Cheese & The Meaty Balls Truck, which led to a day of office puns that never got old.  They all landed near the AON (Columbus and Wacker), prime parking to spot a truck.

5411 Empanadas 

BBQ Chicken, Spinach and Cheese and Beef ($1.99/ea) were my choices washed down with a Mexican Coke (.99).  Yum!  I can see why the line was down the street as they are truly like no empanada I have tasted.  The crust is not your traditional flaky crust but rather soft and thin and doughy.  They manage to keep them warm and bursting with flavor.  I'm partial to the Latin cuisine but so far my favorite truck. 

Downside: They charge tax and accept credit cards while although nice, makes for a slow line.  

The Southern Mac 

At $9 each and packed full of calories I could only try one for the day.  I decided on Mexican Chorizo, Pepper jack and Cojita.  I also got a few forks full of a co-workers Bacon, Blue Cheese and Mushroom which was equally if not more amazing then my selection and blue cheese is not my thing.  The portions are delicious, huge and guaranteed to put you in a food coma.  

The Meaty Ball Truck

If this is your first time out I recommend sampling the grenades ($3), a bite size version of what they have to offer rather than the torpedo ($7-$9) their larger sandwich.  I went for the BBQ, Buff and Schweddy Balls.  The Buff was underwhelming not tasting much like buffalo sauce and lacking flavor.  The Schweddy, spicy lamb, eggplant and tomato was tasty with lots of flavor and a little kick if you like heat.  The BBQ was the BOMB.  Pulled pork goodness with apples, red cabbage and a cola-bourbon sauce.  A great pick for a torpedo if you're not in the trial by fire mood.  Don't forget to finish your meal with a bag of Salty Balls a delectable dessert treat in chocolate or vanilla, they don't discriminate.

*Shout out to Meatyball for being a sponsor at this years MS Walk.

Next up Gastro Wagon, SweetRide and the Tamale Space Ship if they every land in my work hood.

Restaurants wanting to throw their hat in the ring seem to be waiting to see if the city will pass an ordinance to allow food to be cooked on the trucks.  If this happens you can be sure to see more trucks popping up. I know Big Star is waiting for just that!  In this economy dare I say its the food wave of the future?

Helpful Hints:

• I follow all my trucks individually on Twitter but I found think link to be great!  http://www.chicagomag.com/Chicago-Magazine/Chicago-Food-Trucks-on-Twitter/
• Get there early the good stuff goes fast, the line can get long and they don't stick around.  You snooze you loose.
• Bring Cash.  Many are starting to accept cards but it slows the process down

Keep your eyes peeled for a truck in your hood and check back for updates as I keep on eating! Enjoy!

Into the Wild...

Luckily my girlfriends and I only had to hop the blue line to reach The Frontier, a new tavern in Noble Square.  Downstairs it's your regular neighborhood western lodge complete with a giant stuffed bear mounted on the bar.  Upstairs more sports like with large TV's, second bar and music to move to.  It's no surprise they also own Lottie's and The Pony as its feels like a  mix of both vibes. 

Chef Brian Jupiter is of another planet in the best way possible.  We stuck to the appetizer list and ordered lollipop wings drizzled with a banging buffalo sauce and perfect sweet potato fries, duck tacos with a salsa verde and lamb spare ribs good enough to lick your fingers after.  There is a also a large oyster list that I will try on my next go around.  I should however, prepare you for the possible whole roasted pig that was wheeled by us on a cart, part of the whole animal service they provide for large parties.   Thank goodness a cocktail was nearby; my favorite being the Basil Gimlet ($8) made with gin, basil simple syrup and fresh lime juice, so unique and tasty.  Who knew basil would taste so good in a cocktail?  The beer list ($5-$8) is well selected with a variety of good options for a beer drinker.  The Frontier is a nice twist on your traditional bar experience.  I will definitely return to the wild...especially to indulge in the beer garden expected to open this summer.

The Frontier : 1072 N. Milwaukee 

 

Scary Bear

Yummy Lollipop Wings & Sweet Potato Fries

A Glass of Wine Perhaps?

When I was little my Dad would have wine tasters come to our house.  He always considered the perfect bottle of wine art.  He is no Sommelier but he taught me all he knows about wine.  Over the years there has rarely been a holiday or event that doesn't have a good bottle of wine to go with it.  I blame the Portuguese blood...or maybe we are just wino's (sorry Dad).  Whatever it is the combination has given me an appreciation for a good bottle, preferably one that doesn't break the bank.

My latest find is Apothic Red, a California wine.  Apothic Red is a grape blend, which I'm favoring lately.  It's a fusion of Syrah, Zinfandel and Merlot with deep fruit aromas peppered with hints of spicy chocolate and vanilla.  I like my reds to have a sweetness while not being overly sweet and this bottle does just that.  I pleasantly find the chocolate/vanilla to be subtle and more on the finish.  The best part of all is the price tag of about $14 and I have picked it up for even less at Target ($8) and Jewel ($10).  Apothic Red gives a wonderful glass of wine and is sure to be a hit at a dinner party or for gifting a bottle they'll think you spend big bucks on.  If you like a good red for the right price it's a must try.

Enjoy!

 

 

Tea for Two....or 40.

This year I (with the help of my mom and matron of honor) planned my first bridal shower for my sister Erica. She wanted a tea party theme and left all the details to me.  I love to plan so the idea of this task was exciting but also daunting!  My sister is the most creative, handy and capable person I know.  I call her Martha Stewart on steroids...so pulling off an event that would match her vision was a little frightening but I was determined to try.

The venue suggested by my mother, was a little rustic restaurant, Isabella Italian Cafe.  It's basically a renovated little house turned restaurant and was the perfect backdrop for a tea party.  My mother and I kept our eyes open for decor and stopped whenever we saw a thrift store searching for anything that would fit the theme and our wallet. The small touches were so important to us.  We found a great floral fabric and mom made cute napkins to complement the mixed and matched china tea cups and saucers.  Tables were decorated with sage green cloths, functional unique teapots to serve hot tea, beautiful peach and white floral arrangements (created by Erica) and colorful tins of tea by Harney and Sons. Favors of mini teapot tea infusers adorned each plate...no two tables were exactly alike.  Wine and Mimosa's flowed freely as heavy appetizers were served family style, all small bites hoping to mimic the concept of tiny tea party sandwiches but heartier.  Sweets and a custom cake from Creative Cakes as well as homemade delights completed the highlight of the room, a beautiful sweets table.

I have to say I was quite happy with the end result and the bride was too.  My only regret, not having better pictures to share but take a look....

 

I wouldn't call myself a "foodie"...but I love food.

I recently checked out a new Thai spot in Bucktown Silom 12, now occupying the Old Cafe Matou space.  Aptly named after the popular Bangkok district Silom, where after nightfall the street changes from it's daytime "Wall Street" demeanor to a nightlife that comes alive for the next 12 hours.

The interior is hip, crisp and clean.  With soft lighting and some communal tables I feel as if I transported further than the few blocks traveled.

Staff is friendly and efficient.  The food is phenomenal and packs a flavorful "wow". The menu has something for everyone from traditional Thai dishes to a more contemporary spin and the chef specialties are where it's at!  Price points are in the $9 - $18 range, affording something for everyone.  

Downside, Silom 12 does not have outdoor seating, a must have for a Chi-Town summer but they do have doors that open wide to the sidewalk, prime seating for an outdoor-ish dining experience.  

Silom 12 : 1846 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Silom 12 : Bar Area

The bar area looks like its sure to be a bustling after work spot but for now they are B.Y.O.B. while they wait for their license.  If you are like me, you'll want to get in while you can still bring your bottle.  

A girl needs her wine so first I made a stop directly across the street at Red and White, which also happens to be one of my personal favorite wine shops so they deserve a mention.  They are refreshingly unpretentious, super informed and the environment is literally set up to welcome any questions.  Even for a wino like myself, they have tons of things I've never heard of.  They have varying price points and even brought in a couple options specifically to lend itself to Thai cuisine.  Red and White really is my go to shop for always gifting an amazing bottle of wine.  

Red and White : 1861 N. Milwaukee Avenue

Embryo

If you have survived a Chicago winter then you know how big of a deal summertime is.  We Chicagoans know how to squeeze every drop out of the three solid months of summer we hopefully get.  We try our best to consume, devour or engross in whatever our cup of tea might be before the weather turns again.  I am certainly no different and thought what better time to join the blogging world than now, when summer is knocking on our door (hopefully).

Now, I'm by no means claiming to be a connoisseur of anything in particular.  I just like to stay current, I love to organize, plan and entertain, I have an appreciation for music, art in many forms, food and libation and like everyone...I have an opinion.  I do my best to enjoy all this city has to offer and even though the winter makes me want to run to warmer climates, there truly is no place like home.  I hope you will visit as I continue to explore...